Paying the right person, in the right amount, at the right time—from Social Security benefits to tax refund payments—constitutes a bedrock of trust in government. Disbursing payments, whether via check or (ideally) direct deposit, is one of the most direct ways that the federal government interacts with the public. It also represents one of the primary levers that the federal government uses to provide a safety net to vulnerable populations, promote economic prosperity, and ensure national security.